Used 2008 Honda Odyssey

Dads will tell you the best vehicle to transport the wife and kids is a big, burly SUV, but Moms know better. Despite its less-than-macho image, the minivan is still the best family transport ever invented. Large sliding side doors make for quick and easy entries and exits, while a low and level cargo floor means minimal muscle is required when loading. If a minivan is in your future, there are a number of makes to choose from, and at the top of that list is the 2008 Honda Odyssey. Renowned for its spacious interior, powerful engine, comfortable ride and exceptional safety rating, the Odyssey leaves little room for criticism. About the only deterrent to purchasing an Odyssey may be its high price and limited availability.

One of the goals of every new minivan is to deliver a car-like driving experience. If the car in that comparison is a large sedan, the 2008 Honda Odyssey succeeds on some levels and comes close on others. With plenty of horsepower and usable torque, the Odyssey moves quickly from a stop and easily merges with traffic. Once moving, the ride is smooth and well-controlled, even if rougher roads don’t go unnoticed. While few will call its performance inspiring, the Odyssey brakes and corners with a capability some may find surprisingly good for a vehicle of its proportions, and the strong engine can get you quickly back to cruising speed.

There are plenty of innovations worth noting inside the Odyssey, as well as a couple of surprises. Honda engineers have made the third-row seat more accessible, thanks to sliding second-row seats. The third-row seat is also split on a 60/40 bias and very easy to fold flat into the floor. The second row features power windows plus optional twin captain’s chairs and a clever in-seat storage compartment (dubbed the PlusOne Seat by Honda). There are three sets of LATCH child safety seat anchors: Two on the outboard second-row seats and one in the middle third-row seat.

Rather than pushing beyond the expected limits of minivan styling, the 2008 Odyssey emerges as a refined version of its former self. Honda’s designers have conceived an Odyssey that is both sleeker and more sophisticated than the previous generation. The Odyssey’s wide stance gives it a more secure visual stance. Appealing features such as available power sliding side doors and a power rear liftgate bolster the Odyssey’s desirability.

In-Floor Storage
A carpeted panel in the floor in front of the second-row seat lifts to reveal a compartment big enough to swallow the available eighth seat. When you need the room for something else, an optional Lazy Susan makes it easy to access items that might otherwise require a reach.

Comprehensive Safety Features
From Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control, Electronic Brake Distribution, Anti-Lock Brakes and Tire Pressuring Monitoring to help keep you out of trouble, to the Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body Structure, Active Front Head Restraints and a full complement of airbags to help protect you if trouble should occur, the Odyssey offers its occupants an extremely comprehensive set of safety features.

Every 2008 Honda Odyssey (LX, EX, EX with Leather and Touring) includes the disappearing third-row seat, in-floor storage, CD player, dual-zone air conditioning (tri-zone in EX-L and Touring), power windows, keyless entry and cruise control. Standard safety features include frontal and side airbags up front, three-row side-curtain airbags and Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control. The standard 3.5-liter VTEC engine gives way to a similar, higher-mileage i-VTEC engine with variable cylinder management (VCM) in the top two models.

Features available only on select trim levels or as stand-alone options include the stowable eighth seat, leather seating, power sliding doors, four-way power passenger seat, six-disc in-dash CD player, 360-watt stereo, Bluetooth hands-free communication link, memory-linked tilt-down side view mirrors (standard on Touring), more fuel-efficient i-VTEC engine with VCM, power moonroof, nine-inch rear DVD entertainment center, plus a navigation system with voice recognition and an integrated rearview camera with rearview mirror display. Available only on the premium Touring model are a power tailgate, memory driver’s seat, power-adjustable pedals, front and rear parking sensors and a run-flat tire system.

Until someone drops a V8 into a minivan, the Odyssey’s 244-horsepower V6 is one of the most powerful engines in its class. The Odyssey’s 3.5-liter V6 is a solid piece of work. Strong, quiet and fairly fuel-efficient, its performance attributes are only enhanced by its bulletproof service and repair history. New for 2008 is the addition of Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) which, depending upon load, deactivates cylinders for improved fuel consumption.

3.5-liter V6
244 horsepower @ 5750 rpm (LX and EX)
241 horsepower @ 5700 rpm (EX-L and Touring)
240 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5000 rpm (LX and EX)
242 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4900 rpm (EX-L and Touring)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 (LX and EX), 17/25 (EX-L and Touring)